Pepper Extract Research Articles

Effectivity test of ethanol extract of black pepper (Piper nigrum) against mortality of Aedes aegypti and its effect on midgut morphological changes

Aedes aegypti is the vector of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). Dengue vector management usually depends on synthetic larvicides. However, it can lead to insect resistance and leave chemical pollutant residues. Therefore natural larvicides are needed for their environmentally friendly and do not induce insect resistance. Piper nigrum fruit is expected to contain secondary metabolites beneficial as larvicides to Aedes aegypti. This study aims to test the effectivity of the ethanol extract of Piper nigrum fruit on the mortality of Aedes aegypti larvae and determine the effect of extract exposure on larval midgut morphological changes. The study used a completely randomized design with five experimental groups and four repetitions as follows: K (aquades + 0% extract), P1 (0.25% extract), P2 (0.50% extract), P3 (0.75% extract), P4 (1% extract). Data analysis used one-way ANOVA and continued to the LSD Post hoc test. The extract's effectiveness was analyzed using the probit test and LC50 confirmation. Changes in the morphology of larval midgut were observed descriptively and presented in the form of tables and figures. The results showed that the 1% treatment resulted in the highest larval mortality of 93% and the lowest in the 0.25% treatment of 43%. The LC50 value was 2,666 based on the probit analysis. The ethanol extract of Piper nigrum fruit affected midgut morphological changes of Aedes aegypti larvae characterized by peripheral membrane damage, microvilli thinning, epithelial cell swelling and vacuolation, and basement membrane damage.

Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity of “Bang Chang” Thai Cultivar Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum Var. acuminatum)

Capsaicin is found naturally in the Solanaceae family of plants and linked to numerous health advantage. Capsaicin is also responsible for the antimicrobial properties of chili pepper. Thai Capsicum cultivar “Bang Chang chili pepper” (Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum), initially cultivated in Bang Chang subdistrict, Samut Songkhram, Thailand. This study aims to determine bioactive substances such as capsaicin and phenolic content, as well as antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Cutibacterium acnes) and yeast, Candida albicans, and cytotoxicity with human skin fibroblast cells. The TPC and capsaicin in the ethanol extract were 2.50 ± 0.13 mg GAE/g and 0.0104 ± 0.0 mg/100 mL, while in the oil extract were 0.0020 ± 0.0 mg/100 mL and 1.05 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g. Antimicrobial of this chili pepper was found in only oil extract that was inhibited against to C. albicans (inhibition zone = 10.68 ± 0.49 mm) There was preferrable when compared to fluconazole ((inhibition zone = 24.65 ± 0.25 mm). Both extracts (0.0001-1.0 mg/mL) had no effect on human fibroblast cells, implying that they are non-toxic. The finding may imply that non-pungent capsicum strains cannot inhibit bacterial growth due to low amount of phenolics and capsaicin contained. Capsicum variety and temperature of extraction were also affected on their property. As a result, oil extract was favored for C. albicans suppression. This pepper extract can be used as an antifungal agent, and a pharmaceutical formulation must be developed.

A solid lipid particle formulation of long pepper extract reduces pain and astrocyte activation in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

To investigate the effects of solid lipid microparticle (SLM) creams containing a long pepper extract (LPE) or piperine on neuropathy-related pain and the expression of Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as a measure of astrogliosis. Neuropathic pain in male Spraque Dawley rats was induced by sciatic nerve ligation (SNL) and followed by treatment with LPE-SLM, piperine-SLM, capsaicin or vehicle creams. The pain score was assessed by thermal hyperalgesia test. The GFAP expression in the spinal cord was determined by immunohistochemistry. Pain scores were significantly increased after SNL and decreased when treated by LPE-SLM. The number of GFAP immunopositive cells was significantly increased in the SNL rats. Treated by LPE-SLM and capsaicin creams resulted in a significant reduction of the number of GFAP immunopositive cells. The LPE-SLM treated rats showed greater effects than the piperine and capsaicin preparations. The LPE-SLM cream has a potential effect on pain attenuation via a decrease of spinal astrocyte activation-related mechanism. The LPE in SLM preparation could provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for treating neuropathic pain.

Microencapsulation of bioactive compound extracts using maltodextrin and gum arabic by spray and freeze-drying techniques

Microencapsulation techniques establish a protective barrier around a sensitive compound, reducing vulnerability to external influences and offering controlled release. This work evaluates microencapsulation of Brazilian seed known as pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) extract incorporated with green propolis extract, (main propolis font from the South America native plant Baccharis dracunculifolia DC) to enhancement antioxidant activity through synergic interaction, comparing to the extracts individually. Four treatments were produced using maltodextrin and combined with gum arabic as encapsulating agent, employing two different microencapsulation technique applied (spray drying and freeze drying) to assess their impact on physicochemical properties. The incorporation of gum arabic into matrix yielded higher encapsulation efficiency values, exhibiting significant differences for both encapsulation techniques. Combining the two encapsulation agents afforded greater protection of the bioactive compounds, resulting in an increase of approximately 31 % in the inhibition of the DPPH● radical. In controlled release analysis, maltodextrin exhibits the best protective effect on total phenolic compounds during intestinal release, whereas combining maltodextrin and gum arabic enhanced protection during gastric phase. Microcapsules may contribute to the protection of important bioactive compound, possessing a wide range of applications such as flavors encapsulation in food industry, lipids, antioxidants and pharmaceutical industry for controlled drug release.

Enhancement of Refrigerated Shelf Life of Foods against Microbial Spoilage Using Indian Spices

AIMS: Evaluation of the effects of treatment of aqueous extracts and powder of spices on enhancement of refrigerated shelf life of vegetables.
 Study Design: Aqueous extract and powder of turmeric (Curcuma longa), black pepper (Piper nigrum), garlic (Allium sativum)and cumin (Cuminum cyminum)were used to enhance refrigerated shelf life of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), taro roots (Colocasia esculenta), bottle gourd (Lagennaria siceraria)and tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum).
 Place and Duration: The study was made at Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology, Meerut during the period of January to December, 2022.
 Methodology: Microbial counts technique was used to evaluate the impact of spice treatment on boiled foods stored in the refrigerator.
 Results: We found that aqueous treatment of spices was not as effective as treatment with powdered spices. Black pepper treatment enhanced the storage life of all four vegetables followed by turmeric, garlic and cumin. The mixed treatment with turmeric, black pepper, garlic and cumin was very effective and safe for consumption for up to 3 days when stored in refrigerator.
 Conclusion: Unconsumed extra foods are commonly stored in refrigerator throughout the world and it is suggested that if the boiled vegetables are treated with a mixture of powder of turmeric + black pepper + garlic + cumin, they may be stored for longer time.

Preparation and Evaluation of In-house Fabricated Floating Tablets of Black Pepper Extract

In folk medicine, Black pepper (Piper nigrum) has found its role as a hepato protective agent, diaphoretic, stomachic and for its aromatic properties. Ayurvedic medicine uses pepper extensively as bio-enhancer. It is known to have antioxidant, antiulcer activity and gastro protective effects. Helicobacter pylori is identified as gastric carcinogen and known to cause gastric cancer through injecting CagA, avirulent toxin, followed by its translocation intoVacA. The present study was designedfor development as well as evaluation of Pepper extract floating tablets for the management of peptic ulcers due by H. pylori. In the current experiment, we have developed gastro-retentive floating tablets of standardized pepper extract. Directly compressed were subjected to evaluation for various in vitro parameters. Floating tabletscontaining ingredients viz Pepper extract, HPMC K100Mhydrophilic polymer, colophony as hydrophobic polymer were used. Sodium bicarbonate was used to generate gas. Lubricants such as Talc and Magnesium stearate were used and to improve compressibility, Lactose was utilized. Directly compressed tablets were then subjected to evaluation. Formulations were optimized based on buoyancy time and considering drug release in vitro.The formulation 3 with the ingredients viz, pepper extract, lactose, HPMC K100M, sodium carbonate, talc, magnesium stearate and colophonyshowed good floating behavior along with improved controlled drug release in comparison with other formulations.We conclude that, the developed formulations can be effectively used to treat ulcers and in the prevention of gastric carcinogenesis.

Anti-cancer Properties of Dietary Supplement CELNORM against Colon and Lung Cancer: An in vitro preliminary study

Cancer is a complex disease characterized by a cascade of events that culminate in the accumulation of several genetic alterations. Because of the high incidence and mortality rate, scientists began seeking novel medications that were harmful to cancer cells but not to healthy cells. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CELNORM and its various components individually in colon and lung cancer cells. Based on the LD50 value, colon and lung cancer cells were treated with two different dosages of curcumin, pepper, carrot and cucumber extracts, individually and CELNORM (formulation with all four ingredients). The cytotoxicity of each compound has been checked through morphological analysis and cell viability assay by using the CCK8 kit and statistically analyzed. qPCR-based Gene expression study has also been done to further validate the anti-cancerous properties of the compounds. Curcumin extract decreased cancer cell growth, as evidenced by cytotoxicity and morphological analyses, but pepper, carrot, and cucumber extracts showed a less significant reduction in cancer cell growth. CELNORM, on the other hand, had the highest significant effect in suppressing cell proliferation, indicating the novel health supplement CELNORM renders more efficacy than individual components. Gene expression analysis also verifies the anti-cancerous properties of CELNORM, though some gene expressions are not in the expected line. The morphological analysis and cell viability result has shown the efficacy of the CELNORM over the individual compounds of the CELNORM and gene expression analysis of proliferative genes such as Cyclin D, CDK6, PCNA and BCL-2 further validates the anti-cancerous properties of CELNORM and all four components.

Effectiveness of botanical insecticides on larval stage of red palm weevil Rhynchophorous ferrugineus and survival of entomopathogenic nematodes

Botanical oils are considered ecofriendly compounds with insecticidal characteristics. In this study, the effects of basil (Ocimum basilicum), camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), lemon (Citrus limon), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), black pepper (Piper nigrum), and orange (Citrus sinensis var balady) oil extracts on the survival of four entomopathogenic nematode strains belonging to the Steinernema and Heterorhabditis genera, as well as their impacts on Rhynchophorus ferrugineus egg hatching and larvae, were assessed. The results for the camphor, lemon, black pepper, and orange oils were promising as 50 μL/mL of each resulted in 0%, 0%, 16%, and 0% hatchability for the R. ferrugineus eggs, respectively. Furthermore, the mortality of R. ferrugineus larvae was up to 95% with the similar concentrations and an exposure time of 48 h, for the other investigated oils. Various morphohistopathological alterations were found in the cuticle; outer cuticle folds swelling or shrinkage and subcuticular muscle degeneration, as well as midgut; fat globules in the epithelial lining with marked degeneration and/or necrosis, of the R. ferrugineus larvae when compared with those of controls replicates. Mortality percentage of infective juveniles (IJs) of Steinernema carpocapsae (S2) was significantly lower than Heterorhabditis marelatus (D1), Steinernema riobravae (Sr) and Steinernema carpocapsae (All) when using camphor oil compared to the other oils (50%). From the obtained observations on oils lethal effects, the target of developing integral biocontrol product formulated from combinations of essential oils and nematode with insecticidal properties against R. ferrugineus (not nematode survival) is possible; a sustainable and ecofriendly product for pest management.

Effects of Selected Plant Extracts on the Quality and Functional Properties of Gelatin and Furcellaran-Based Double-Layer Films

AbstractIn this study, for the first time, double-layer films based on furcellaran and gelatin were obtained, in which the 1st layer of furcellaran was enriched with various plant extracts. The aim of this work was to improve the composition of the developed innovative packaging material by using two layers of biopolymer complexes and analysing the composites to determine the effect of different model plant extracts on the physicochemical properties of the double-layered materials. Furthermore, the hypothesis that positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) could be correlated with gas barrier properties was verified. The addition of plant extracts significantly influenced the physicochemical parameters of the obtained double-layered materials. The lowest solubility was noted in films with the addition of garlic extract (58.40%) and black pepper extract (59.26%) which also had the lowest water content (8.88%). The film with garlic extract also had the lowest oxygen transfer rate (OTR) value after 6 months of storage which is consistent with PALS. The presented data suggest the possibility of correlating PALS results with the gas barrier properties. Tests carried out using this method will facilitate the selection of new potential ingredients when designing packaging materials based on biopolymers, thus, making it possible to obtain new-generation matrices.

Tocolytic Effect of White Pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.) on Isolated Rat Uterine Contraction in vitro

Piper nigrum Linn. (Pepper) is a very well-known spice used for different purposes such as human dietaries, medicine and preservative. In Thai traditional medicine, white pepper is a component of herbal formulas used to treat many disorders including symptoms of dysmenorrhea. It is of interest to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of white pepper (MEWP) on the isolated rat uterus contractions induced by various uterine stimulants and the possible mechanism(s) involved. Strips of uterus were prepared from estrogen-primed female Wistar rats, fixed in the organ bath filled with an appropriate physiological solution with carbogen bubbled continuously at 37 °C. The measurement of isometric tension was then performed using force transducer attached to a polygraph. MEWP was tested its effect on the uterine contraction and found the inhibitory effects on the contraction induced by oxytocin, PGF2α and depolarizing solution. TEA inhibited the uterine relaxing effect of MEWP while glibenclamide had no effects when the uterus was induced to contract with oxytocin. Propranolol abolished the uterine relaxing effect of isoproterenol while it had no effects on the relaxing effect of MEWP. The results suggested that MEWP is likely to be a general uterine relaxant. The effects may be due to the interference on Ca2+ influx into the uterine muscle cells which may involve the opening of KCa channel. The effect was unlikely to occur via the KATP-channel and may not involve the interaction of MEWP on b-adrenergic receptor on the uterine muscle cells. HIGHLIGHTS Methanolic extract of white pepper (MEWP) is likely to be a general uterine relaxant. The uterine relaxing effect of MEWP may involve an inhibition of a rise in intracellular Ca2+ from both Ca2+ influx via plasma membrane of the uterine smooth muscle cell and probably Ca2+ release from internal storage. The effect of MEWP may be mediated mainly through a reduction in Ca2+ influx, possibly through voltage dependent Ca2+ The effect of MEWP may involve with the opening of KCa channel, which may arise from direct action of MEWP on the calcium channel or be a consequence of an increase in [Ca2+]i. The uterine relaxing effect of MEWP is unlikely to be mediated by an activation of β2 –adrenergic receptor. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Phytochemistry Analysis of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) Juice Fortified with Organic Additives

Plants’ juices are widely consumed due to their presumed high nutritional and medicinal qualities. This research evaluated the phytochemical properties of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) tuber juice/milk fortified with a mixture of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Negro pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) extract. The freshly prepared tiger nut juice was fortified with 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% of the plants extracts, and accordingly coded TME 0, TME 1, TME 2 and TME 3; and their Phytochemical parameters measured through standard procedures. The findings indicated that the plants’ extract significantly increased, regardless of the phytochemical parameter investigated. The cardiac glycoside level in the juice fortified with 2%, 4% and 6% plants’ extract was 4.40%, 5.11% and 5.53% respectively; while the saponin content in the TME 0, TME 1, TME 2 and TME 3 juice samples was 6.68%, 6.82%, 7.40% and 7.70% respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that the anthocyanins and alkaloid levels in the juice increased from 3.12% - 3.93% and 5.13% - 7.34%, as the plants’ extract concentration increased from 0 to 6%. It was observed that the anti-nutrien compositions (phytate and tannin) of the tiger nut juice, increased in an uneven pattern as the fortification degree increased from 0% to 6%. This study’s findings will be useful in food industries in optimizing nutrient enhancement of foods and drinks, without accumulating excessive anti-nutrients in the fortified products.

Anti-inflammatory effect of pepper extract with high polyamine levels; inhibition of ERK/MAPK pathway in mice.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01333-x.

Integrated Management of Cabbage Aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.)

The present investigation entitled “Integrated Management of Cabbage Aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.)” was carried out at Department of Entomology as well as field of Vegetable Research and Demonstration Block, College of Horticulture, VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal during 2022. Seasonal incidence of Cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) revealed that the maximum numbers of aphid, (784.05 nymphs/plants and 506.32 adults/plants) were recorded during 23rd SMW viz., 2nd week of June. Correlation studies indicated that aphid population exhibited highly significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and minimum temperature and significant negative correlation with morning and evening relative humidity. While rainfall showed non-significant positive correlation with aphid population. Efficacy of different treatments (Cultural practices (Weeding) + Yellow sticky trap), (Garlic extract + Red pepper extract), (Onion extract + Yellow sticky trap), (Neem leaf extract + Cow urine), (Thiamethoxam 25 WG + Beauveria bassiana), (L-cyhalothrin 5 EC + Beauveria bassiana) and (Biological control + Mechanical control) were evaluated by two sprays at 3, 5 and 7 days interval against aphid (B. brassicae) during year 2022. After 1st and 2nd application highest reduction in aphid population (77.37 and 93.57) and maximum yield (5.85 kg/plot and 541.66 q/ha) over pre treatment was recorded in L-cyhalothrin 5 EC incorporated with Beauveria bassiana.

Impact of hot pepper, black pepper, Ginger and Moringa powder extracts against cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculates and two storage methods on cowpea, Mogadishu, Somalia

Impact of hot pepper, black pepper, Ginger and Moringa powder extracts against cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculates and two storage methods on cowpea, Mogadishu, Somalia

Impact of Compressional Force, Croscarmellose Sodium, and Microcrystalline Cellulose on Black Pepper Extract Tablet Properties Based on Design of Experiments Approach

This study aimed to prepare tablets of black pepper extract using the Design of Experiments (DOE) approach. The levels of three factors—compressional force, croscarmellose sodium (CCS), and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)—were screened using the one-factor-at-a-time technique, followed by the DOE utilizing the Box–Behnken design. The respective variations for each factor were as follows: compressional force (1500–2500 psi), CCS (1–3%), and MCC (32–42%). The results indicated that compressional force significantly decreased tablet thickness and friability, while increasing hardness and prolonging disintegration time. CCS significantly shortened disintegration time but did not affect tablet thickness, hardness, and friability. MCC, on the other hand, significantly increased tablet thickness and hardness, while significantly decreasing friability. Furthermore, the study observed interactions among factors and quadratic effects of each factor, which significantly influenced tablet properties. The optimal tablet formulation consisted of 2.2% CCS, 37% MCC, and a compressional force of 2000 psi. These tablets had a weight of 198.39 ± 0.49 mg, a diameter of 9.67 ± 0.01 mm, a thickness of 1.98 ± 0.02 mm, a hardness of 7.36 ± 0.24 kP, a friability of 0.11 ± 0.02%, and a disintegration time of 5.59 ± 0.39 min. The actual values obtained using the optimal conditions closely matched the predicted values, with a low percent error (less than 5%). In conclusion, the application of the DOE approach successfully developed tablets of black pepper extract, which can be utilized as food supplement products.

735-P: Baseline Characteristics in the REVERSE-IT Study, a 24-Week, 600-Person Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of the Metabolic Effects of the Combination of Five Plant Extracts TOTUM-63 (T63)

The role of natural based products to support glucose control in people with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes (T2D) (i.e. dysglycemia) is debated. T63 is a polyphenol-rich substance composed by artichoke, chrysanthellum, olive leaf, bilberry, and black pepper extracts, and studied in REVERSE-IT (NCT04423302), an ongoing 24 weeks, multi-center, multi-country clinical trial involving people with dysglycemia. It tests the hypothesis that 5 g T63 vs placebo (PBO) leads to significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose, while secondary outcomes include effects on lipids, blood pressure (BP), weight and waist circumference. The confirmatory primary analysis will compare T63 vs PBO when provided TID (double-blinded) and is powered based on minimum 174 completers in each arm. Effects of T63 BID vs PBO will be analyzed open label. A total of n=627 were recruited over 2 years from 61 sites across 7 European countries. Mean age is 57 years, BMI 32.2 kg/m2, and HbA1c 6.1% (table 1). The majority have prediabetes (78.3%), with a better glycemic profile and BP compared to those with T2D (21.7%). REVERSE-IT has enrolled an appropriate population to help inform clinical decision making on the use of plant-extract based T63 to support glucose homeostasis in people with dysglycemia. Readout is expected in the second half of 2023. Disclosure Y.F.Otero: Employee; Valbiotis. T.Maugard: None. M.Cazaubiel: Board Member; Valbiotis. B.Pereira: None. B.Guigas: Advisory Panel; Valbiotis, Research Support; Valbiotis. S.Hadjadj: Consultant; Bayer Inc., Novo Nordisk, Valbiotis, Research Support; AstraZeneca, Novartis, Speaker's Bureau; Abbott Diagnostics, Boehringer-Ingelheim. S.Peltier: Board Member; Valbiotis. A.Marette: Advisory Panel; Valbiotis, Amancia, Plexus, Acasti. J.Bard: Consultant; Valbiotis, Biofortis France, Stock/Shareholder; Valbiotis. P.Sirvent: Board Member; Valbiotis. O.Johansen: Employee; Nestlé Health Science. V.Chavanelle: Employee; Valbiotis. M.Bargetto: Employee; Valbiotis. V.Sapone: None. A.Bouchard-mercier: Employee; Valbiotis. F.Le joubioux: Employee; Valbiotis. N.Boisseau: None.

Feeding phytogenic ingredients combined or not with Lithothamnium calcareum and a mycotoxin binder to lactating cows: Effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological parameters, and nitrogen excretion

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of phytogenic feed additives combined or not with buffer compounds and a mycotoxin binder on performance, nutrient digestibility, N utilization, and purine derivatives excretion in lactating cows. Thirty-six Holstein (162 ± 76 days in milk and 32.6 ± 5.57 kg/d milk yield) cows were blocked (n = 12) according to parity, days in milk, and milk yield and were randomly assigned to the following treatments: control (CON), no feed additive; phytogenic feed additive at 5 g/d (PA); and PA + 140 g of buffer compounds (Lithothamnium calcareum, NaHCO3, and MgO) + 25 g/d of a mycotoxin binder (PABB). The PFA mixture contained pepper oleoresin and extracts of cinnamon, pepper, onion, grape seed, Curcuma sp., and Quillaja sp. Treatments were provided mixed into minerals. Cows were allowed a 2 wk-covariate period, and treatments were applied for the following 9 wks. Tukey’s test was used to determine differences between treatment groups. Dry matter (DM) intake was greater (P < 0.001) when feeding phytogenic additives, either PA or PABB, in comparison with CON. Similar nutrient intake was observed between PA and PABB groups. Digestibility of DM was greater (P = 0.047) in cows fed PA than CON but did not differ from those fed PABB. Milk yield was greater (P = 0.041) in cows fed PA than CON group, whereas PA and PABB had similar production values (32.1, 33.6, and 32.8 kg/d for CON, PA, and PABB, respectively). Fat production was increased (P = 0.002) when feeding feed additives. Milk protein concentration was greater (P = 0.043) in PABB-cows than both PA and CON groups. There was no evidence for treatment effects on milk urea nitrogen concentration, feed efficiency, or serum concentrations of glucose and urea-N. The heart rate was lower (P = 0.026) in CON group than PA or PABB during the morning period evaluation. Skin temperature of the face region was elevated (P = 0.040) in cows fed PABB than CON during the morning period. Milk N secretion tended to be greater (P = 0.096) in cows fed treatments with phytogenic additives (PA and PABB) than CON. Relative N excretion (g/kg of N intake) in urine, feces, and milk were not affected by treatments. Urinary purine derivatives daily excretion was similar among treatments. Phytogenic feed additives improve performance of cows, whereas providing a blend of buffer components and mycotoxin binder may increase milk protein concentration.

Antioxidant Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Prepared from Capsicum Annuum (Bell Pepper) Extract

Vegetables have reported to contain high content of wide verity of important phytochemicals that can be used in medical approach. Bell pepper are one of the most important vegetables that can be used as spice in foods, as well as it has a diversity of the phytochemical compounds. Carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, polyphenolic compounds and other metabolites were found in bell peppers of all colors. Red pepper is characterized by its high content of β-carotene. Our goal was to prepare an aqueous red pepper extract solution and use it to synthesize Ag NPs, then examine the antioxidant activity of the extract and the nanoparticle solutions. Ag NPs were prepared at room temperature by utilizing the aqueous red pepper extract solution as well as characterized by using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and field emission scanning electron microscope. The characterization result has shown the presence of Ag NPs in particle average of approximately 58 nm. The antioxidant activity was determined by using a DPPH assay, where ascorbic acid has shown IC50 of 23.71 μg/mL which was lower than Ag NPs (IC50 = 43.72 μg/mL). The best antioxidant behavior was obtained from the red pepper extract solution (IC50 = 17.26 μg/mL). This may attributed to the high content of phytochemicals in the extract solution. Importantly, the use of red pepper extract solution in preparing AgNPs have shown to improve their antioxidant activity, which is considered as good additive to the medical features of Ag NPs.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties and GC-MS Chemical Compositions of Makwaen Pepper (Zanthoxylum myriacanthum) Extracted Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide.

This research aimed to optimize pressure (10-20 MPa) and temperature (45-60 °C) conditions for supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of Makwaen pepper (Zanthoxylum myriacanthum) extract (ME) in comparison to conventional hydro-distillation extraction. Various quality parameters, including yield, total phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and antimicrobial activities of the extracts, were assessed and optimized using a central composite design. The optimal SFE conditions were found to be 20 MPa at 60 °C, which resulted in the highest yield (19%) and a total phenolic compound content of 31.54 mg GAE/mL extract. IC50 values for DPPH and ABTS assays were determined to be 26.06 and 19.90 μg/mL extract, respectively. Overall, the ME obtained through SFE exhibited significantly better physicochemical and antioxidant properties compared to ME obtained through hydro-distillation extraction. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that beta-pinene was the major component in the ME obtained through SFE (23.10%), followed by d-limonene, alpha-pinene, and terpinen-4-ol at concentrations of 16.08, 7.47, and 6.34%, respectively. On the other hand, the hydro-distillation-extracted ME showed stronger antimicrobial properties than the SFE-extracted ME. These findings suggest that both SFE and hydro-distillation have the potential for extracting Makwaen pepper, depending on the intended purpose of use.

Supplementation of Javanese Long Pepper Extracts into Sucrose-Free Hard Candy for Improving Antibacterial Activity against Streptococcus mutans

Hard candy was made from the mixture of sucrose, glucose, and water. However, the excessive intake of sucrose can cause serious dental problems such as dental caries. Sucrose in hard candy formula is replaceable, using xylitol with the calory content of 40% lower than sucrose, while it also supresses the bacterial growth of Streptococcus mutans causing dental caries. Hard candy functionality is improved by addition of Javanese long pepper extracts containing various chemicals such as alkaloid, saponin, and piperin found up to 4-6%, and they exert antibacterial activity. This current work characterized the quality (i.e., color, pH, solubility time, sensory) of sucrose-free hard candy supplemented with Javanese long pepper extracts, and evaluated the antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans causing dental caries. The experiment followed a non-factorial completely randomized design consisting of different proportions of xylitol and glucose: 0:50, 30:80, 35:85, and 20:90, carried out at triplicates. As a result, the higher concentration of xylitol positively affected the characteristics of sucrose-free hard candy, including color, pH, and sensory properties. In addition, the concentration of xylitol showed positive impact to inhibition of Streptococcus mutans.